Monday, June 30, 2014

RoomSketcher

RoomSketcher is an interactive floor plan tool used mainly for residential designing.  The software was created in 2007, and the company's headquarters are in Norway.  The founders' philosophy is that making floor plans should be easy so everyone can do it, whether you're an amateur or a professional, and it should be fun for you and your potential clients. About a month or so, I got the opportunity to try the software myself as a VIP licensed member with 20 credits.  What exactly does that mean?  It means I can use an online drag-and-drop floor plan tool, decorate with real products from various well-known design stores, get 3D snapshots, install an iPhone, iPad and Android app, get high resolution floor plans in .pdf or .jpg, get 3D photos/high quality renderings in just minutes, as well as walkthroughs and 360 panoramic views of the space I designed.  The credits can be spent by ordering these high quality floor plans and photos (1 floor plan/photo = 1 credit), and you can always refill them.  I've been using 2D and 3D softwares for years now, so I quickly adjusted to RoomSketcher. Well, that's because most of these softwares work on the same principles, and  I would put RoomSketcher in the same category with those that are completely user-friendly.  If you're a beginner, don't worry, there are many official video tutorials on the website (and on YouTube) that will help you, but honestly, it's really simple.  The thing I like best about RoomSketcher is that renderings are high quality, and they don't take forever to render.  They may not be photorealistic, but they sure save time, and I think they are good enough for clients to be able to visualize their new home properly.  Also, all the information you need about the products used in your project is immediately cataloged in your presentation.  These are the qualities most of us living in a fast-paced environment where everyone wants everything to be done under a tight deadline appreciate.  The only thing I would like to see in the future is a frequently updated product library.  Below you can see part of my concept design project made in RoomSketcher.  It was for a client with a medium budget, contemporary and minimalistic style preference, located in Northern Italy.  If you want, you can try RoomSketcher for free or you can buy RoomSketcher Pro, which gives you even more possibilities than a VIP membership. For all the professionals out there, I would highly recommend using RoomSketcher, and for all those interior design enthusiasts, I hope this post will encourage you to test your skills and maybe even create or remodel your own space.









This is a sponsored post, but the presented work and opinions are my own.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Up in the air

Last weekend a good friend of mine celebrated his birthday on the recreational airport and treated all the guests who were brave enough (most of us were in the mood for some adrenaline, of course) with a flight in ultralight trikes or an ultralight airplane, depending on your preference. Excellent idea, right? I did both (special treatment, he-he). Since I've always loved heights and wanted to fly with these types of aircrafts, that event was fulfillment of another one of my childhood wishes. The photos are far from perfect (window reflections, helmet, strong wind - I was barely holding my camera still), but the experience is unforgettable. And you have to admit that my hometown looks adorable from high above. Can't wait for another opportunity to do this again! Maybe I'll even get a pilot's licence, who knows...












Monday, June 9, 2014

Minimal aesthetic

Today I want to share with you my newest inspiration in hopes of passing on some good vibes and brightening the beginning of your week.  All these amazing photographs can be found in CEREAL, a quarterly travel and lifestyle magazine based in Bristol, UK.  This is exactly what comes to mind when I think about minimalist aesthetic in photography.  One of the reasons I respect and appreciate minimalism so much is because of the feeling of honesty and purity that goes with it. I love how minimalistic expression can create a whole new reality highlighting things that usually go unnoticed and would be considered quite ordinary in some other context.  I also like how its authenticity immediately awakens a sense of harmony in me. I believe the success of Cereal Magazine will continue to grow thanks to their unique visual as well as writing quality that differentiate them from other magazines in their niche market. What can I say... Blessed are the creative, for they make this world a better place.



















Source:  CEREAL Magazine

Sunday, June 1, 2014

On the left bank

A hot, sunny afternoon spent with a dear friend of mine. I always like to be close to the water... I must've crossed this bridge hundreds of times on my way to the beach when I was younger... That building you see in the background of the third photo is the hospital where most of the people from this town, including me, first came into this wondrous world. Funny when you think about it... All of this reminds me of the old days when we used to hang out all the time and when everyone I know seemed more carefree and spontaneous. We should do this more often... This free therapy thing. Lush nature and good company can do so much for your well-being without you even realizing it. Enjoy your Sunday, and try not to spoil it thinking about Monday!